You feel unstoppable. Ideas race through your mind. Everything in life feels sharp, exciting, and alive. For the first time in weeks or months, you feel great.
It seems counterintuitive, but feeling like you’re on top of the world isn’t always a positive thing. If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, these “highs” may not be a return to normal—they could be signs of hypomania.
What Is Hypomania?
Hypomania is a lesser known yet significant symptom of bipolar II disorder. It’s defined by a noticeable change in mood that is elevated and lasts at least four consecutive days. During this time, a person might feel on top of the world, talk more than usual, or sleep much less without feeling tired. They may take on new projects, ideas, or social engagements with an intense sense of urgency or passion.
Unlike the full-blown mania seen in bipolar I disorder, hypomania typically doesn’t cause hallucinations, delusions, or require someone to be hospitalized for treatment. In fact, many people with hypomania are still able to work, socialize, or maintain their regular routines. This is partly why it’s so tricky to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Common symptoms associated with hypomania include:
- A noticeable increase in goal-directed activity (work, school, creative pursuits, etc.)
- More frequent or louder speech
- Racing thoughts
- A sense of invincibility or grandiosity
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors that feel justified in the moment
- Irritability or agitation, especially when plans are interrupted
Why Hypomania Is Often Misunderstood
Hypomania is one of the most frequently misread mental health symptoms. Part of the problem lies in how our culture glamorizes high energy, confidence, and ambition. If someone is suddenly more driven, expressive, or sociable, they may be praised for “getting better” or seen as “just high-spirited.” What many people fail to realize is that this external glow can mask internal distress.
Pop culture doesn’t always help. Movies and TV shows often romanticize the “tortured genius” or “manic pixie dream girl” characters—individuals who thrive in chaos, creating brilliant art, or living impulsively without consequences.
Unfortunately, real life isn’t a movie. Behind the scenes of what looks like excitement or passion can be sleep deprivation, social fallout, and mental exhaustion.
The Hidden Risks of Hypomania
Although hypomania may feel harmless or even helpful at first glance, it can cause real damage when left untreated. Let’s look at some of the potential risks.
Financial Fallout
During hypomania, impulsive spending is common. Someone might drain their savings on lavish purchases, book spontaneous trips, or invest in risky business ventures. These financial decisions often lead to regret once the episode subsides and the bills start to arrive.
Strained Relationships
The rapid speech, irritability, and intensity of hypomania can be overwhelming to someone who isn’t familiar with the condition. Friends or partners may feel confused, left behind, or hurt by behavior that seems erratic or out of character. Over time, this can erode important sources of social support for the person with bipolar disorder.
Risky Behavior
Hypomania increases risk-taking. This might mean driving too fast, using drugs or alcohol excessively, engaging in unsafe sex, or quitting a job on a whim. While these acts may feel justified in the moment, they often lead to harm or regret once the person “comes down.”
Burnout and Exhaustion
Because people in hypomanic states often push their minds and bodies to the limit—working long hours, sleeping very little, and taking on too many commitments—they can crash physically and emotionally. This leads to exhaustion that may take weeks to recover from.
Escalation to Depression or Mania
Perhaps the most notable risk of hypomania is its role in the larger bipolar cycle. What goes up must come down. Many people experience a depressive episode soon after hypomania ends. This rollercoaster can be emotionally destabilizing over time.
Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
Because hypomania is misunderstood, it can take years for affected persons to receive a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder. Without treatment, mood swings can intensify in a way that leads to more severe episodes and longer recovery times. Early recognition and intervention are key to breaking this cycle.
We’re Here to Help
Getting help doesn’t mean giving up the parts of yourself you enjoy. Treatment simply means learning to manage your highs and lows in ways that protect your long-term well-being.
At Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Health, we help men and women with bipolar disorder better understand their moods, recognize early warning signs of an episode, and develop personalized treatment plans. Contact us today for a free, confidential assessment or to learn more about the programs available at our Garner, North Carolina facility.
